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Comolli, though, has warned Wenger that he will have to cough up if he wants Matuidi who has shone as captain of the Ligue 1 side.

Warning

"We never wanted to sell him, he is our captain and a major player for us," said Comolli.

"He's done well for us last season but we convinced him to stay.

"But I'm not being naive, I know it will be difficult to keep him and know he will end up in England or one of the top clubs in Europe.

"Whoever comes for him, it will cost them a lot of money."

Comolli criticised English clubs for their methods in luring young French talent to the Premier League.

St Etienne are seeking compensation from Liverpool over Nabil El Zhar's move to Anfield, whilst Chelsea were banned from signing players in the transfer market for two years following their approach to Gael Kakuta.

Fight

"This matter came on the scene recently in England because of Chelsea and Kakuta but it has been going on for 10 to 12 years," he said.

"The French clubs have been trying to fight it and go against it.

"Most of the clubs have done it and most of the French clubs have lost one or two players like this.

"At St Etienne we lost two players to Liverpool like this a few years ago.

"That is how it is. We can fight to change the rules but I think it is a waste of time because they won't."